In recent years, the athletic footwear market has seen a surge in brands promising lighter, faster, and more comfortable shoes. Yet few have gained as much global attention as On Running, the Swiss company behind the iconic Cloud series. At the heart of their lineup is the On Cloud 5, a shoe that blends everyday wearability with performance-driven engineering. Whether you’re a runner, traveler, fitness enthusiast, or someone who simply values comfort, the Cloud 5 has earned its place as a versatile, stylish, and forward-thinking sneaker.
A Brief Background: The Rise of On Running
On Running was founded in 2010 in Switzerland by former professional athlete Olivier Bernhard, along with his friends David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti. Bernhard, a three-time world duathlon champion, wanted to create a running shoe that offered both cushioning and responsiveness—two qualities that were often seen as mutually exclusive in traditional footwear design.
Their breakthrough came with the invention of CloudTec®, a sole technology that uses hollow pods (“clouds”) that compress upon landing and then spring back during takeoff. This creates soft landings combined with energetic propulsion, which On markets as “running on clouds.” The Cloud series quickly became the brand’s signature, and the On Cloud 5—an evolution of earlier versions—refined the concept for everyday wear.
Design Philosophy Behind the Cloud 5
This is built with a focus on lightweight comfort, minimalist styling, and multi-purpose performance. It’s designed to transition seamlessly from workouts to daily life, offering a sneaker that looks sleek enough for casual use but is technically advanced enough for light running and fitness activities.
1. Lightweight Construction
One of the first impressions people have when trying is how extremely light it feels. The shoe weighs significantly less than many competitors in the lifestyle-running hybrid category. This weight reduction comes from the signature CloudTec® pods, a speed-lacing system option, and a streamlined upper that eliminates unnecessary bulk.
The hallmark of the Cloud 5 is its sole structure. CloudTec® consists of separate “cloud” elements along the midsole and outsole, each designed to compress individually based on where pressure is applied. This allows for adaptive cushioning:
-
Soft landings thanks to compressible pods
-
Responsive takeoffs due to the elastic rebound of each cloud
-
A smooth, rolling stride supported by the Speedboard® plate embedded in the midsole
The result is a shoe that feels soft when you need it and firm when you push off.
3. Speedboard® Technology
Includes a Speedboard®, a plate inside the midsole that converts landing energy into forward momentum. Unlike carbon plates used in elite running shoes, this Speedboard focuses on comfort and all-day efficiency rather than racing performance. It helps users walk and jog with less effort, making the shoe especially appealing for commuters and travelers.
4. Breathable Upper Materials
The upper is made from a breathable technical mesh that allows constant airflow—an important factor for those who wear their shoes for long periods. On has also increased their use of recycled materials, with the Cloud 5 featuring a higher percentage of eco-friendly components than earlier models.
5. Signature Aesthetic
On Running is known for its minimalistic, sleek silhouette. The Cloud 5 maintains this aesthetic with clean lines, subtle branding, and versatile colorways. It’s one of the few sneakers that effortlessly pairs with athletic wear, jeans, casual office attire, and even travel outfits.
1. Exceptional Everyday Comfort
One of the biggest reasons is so widely loved is its all-day comfort. The cushioning is soft yet supportive, and the lightweight structure makes the shoes feel almost weightless during long walks or commutes. Many users describe it as “barely noticing the shoe is on.”
2. Versatility Across Activities
Unlike specialized performance shoes, this is intentionally designed to be versatile. It’s ideal for:
-
Walking
-
Everyday errands
-
Light jogging
-
Gym workouts
-
Travel
-
Casual office wear
-
Weekend activities
This versatility eliminates the need for multiple pairs of shoes for different activities.
3. Fast and Convenient Lacing (Optional)
On Cloud shoes are known for their speed-lacing system—elastic laces that allow you to slip the shoe on and off without tying. For users who prefer traditional laces, the Cloud 5 includes those as well. This flexibility makes the shoe appealing to both convenience-focused and customization-focused wearers.
4. Breathability and Temperature Regulation
The mesh upper allows heat and moisture to escape, which is especially beneficial in warm climates or long-duration wear. This design helps reduce foot fatigue and prevents overheating.
5. Stylish Design for All Occasions
A major advantage is the Cloud 5’s aesthetic versatility. Unlike bulky running shoes, it has a sleek shape that pairs well with modern fashion trends. It’s common to see Cloud 5s worn in airports, tech offices, gyms, and outdoor cafés.
Who Is the On Cloud 5 Best Suited For?
1. Travelers
A favorite among travelers because of its lightweight build, comfort during long walks, and easy slip-on design. Its breathability and packability also make it a great travel companion.
If your daily routine involves hours of standing or walking, the Cloud 5 is a top-tier comfort option.
3. Fitness Enthusiasts and Light Runners
While it isn’t designed for intense running, it performs exceptionally well for:
-
Light jogging
-
Treadmill workouts
-
Fitness classes
-
Short-distance runs
4. Professionals Seeking Everyday Comfort
The clean design pairs well with business-casual outfits, making it suitable for teachers, healthcare workers, office employees, and others who spend the day on their feet.
5. Students
Its lightweight construction, comfort, and modern look make it popular among high school and university students.
Limitations of the Cloud 5
Excels in versatility and comfort, it does have limitations:
-
Not ideal for long-distance running compared to specialized On models like the Cloudflow or Cloudsurfer.
-
Less durable for heavy training, especially for high-mileage runners.
-
Cloud pods can pick up small pebbles, depending on terrain.
-
Premium price point may be higher than other casual sneakers.
These drawbacks are relatively minor but worth noting depending on your needs.
Final Verdict
The On Cloud 5 strikes a rare balance between performance and lifestyle wear. With its unique CloudTec® cushioning, stylish design, and featherlight build, it has become a favorite choice for a wide range of users—from athletes to professionals to everyday walkers. While it may not be the ideal shoe for advanced running, it excels in almost every other area: comfort, breathability, convenience, and aesthetics.
If you’re looking for a versatile sneaker that supports daily activity while maintaining a stylish, modern look, this is one of the best all-around options available today.
